Pakistan selector Wahab Riaz discloses the explanation at the back of Shaheen Afridi’s elimination as captain

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In contemporary trends inside Pakistan cricket, Shaheen Afridi‘s tenure because the captain of the T20I crew has come to an finish, paving the way in which for Babar Azam to reassume management tasks forward of the approaching five-match T20I sequence in opposition to New Zealand.

Shaheen Afridi’s elimination and Babar Azam’s reappointment

Shaheen’s elevation to the captaincy of Pakistan’s T20I crew got here within the wake of Babar’s resignation following Pakistan’s early go out from the ODI International Cup 2023. On the other hand, the dream of getting a promising and recent get started beneath Shaheen’s management quickly dwindled as Pakistan suffered a complete 1-4 defeat in New Zealand in January.

Issues simplest worsened with Lahore Qalandars, the franchise he led within the Pakistan Tremendous League (PSL) 2024 marketing campaign, languishing on the backside of the issues desk. Because of this, the string of deficient performances ended in Shaheen’s elimination from the captaincy function, paving the way in which for Babar’s reinstatement because the skipper of the nationwide crew.

Wahab Riaz sheds gentle at the reason at the back of getting rid of Shaheen

Now Pakistan’s selector and males’s crew supervisor, Wahab Riaz defined that the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) resolution to regulate Shaheen’s workload stemmed from their reputation of his pivotal function because the crew’s number one strike bowler, emphasizing the need to handle his health for the impending T20 International Cup 2024. Moreover, Wahab highlighted that whilst Babar won’t have received any trophies as captain up to now, his intensive revel in in management roles made him essentially the most appropriate candidate for the captaincy, specifically given the cases prevailing this present day.

“We needed to regulate Shaheen Afridi’s workload as a result of he’s our major strike bowler and we want him utterly are compatible for the International Cup. Babar Azam is essentially the most skilled captain on this squad, clearly, he hasn’t received any trophy however nonetheless, because of his revel in, we concept Babar is the best selection for captaincy at this second,” Wahab used to be quoted as announcing through the Cricket Pakistan.

Additionally READ: Pakistan cricket appoints new head trainer forward of house T20I sequence in opposition to New Zealand

Complaint of Ramiz Raja’s remarks relating to Mohammad Amir

Moreover based on former PCB leader Ramiz Raja‘s remarks relating to Mohammad Amir, Wahab expressed complaint, labeling Raja’s feedback as “harsh,” Raja’s commentary, indicating that he would disown Amir if he used to be his son because of the left-arm seamer’s involvement in match-fixing, drew robust rebuke from Wahab. Protecting Amir, who lately returned to the nationwide aspect after a four-year absence, Wahab emphasised the negativity of Raja’s remarks, saying that such feedback had been unwarranted and unfair towards Amir.

“Ramiz Raja Saab’s touch upon Mohammad Amir could be very harsh. I don’t imagine that he merits that as it used to be an overly adverse remark,” the 38-year-old concluded.

Upcoming T20I sequence in opposition to New Zealand

Taking a look forward, Babar’s management can be put to the take a look at as Pakistan prepares to stand New Zealand in a the most important five-match T20I sequence scheduled from April 18 to April 27. The sequence opener will happen on the ancient Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, adopted through two extra suits in Rawalpindi prior to moving to Lahore for the overall two encounters. This sequence will provide an opportune second for Babar to show off his captaincy prowess and information Pakistan to luck in opposition to an impressive opponent, thereby solidifying his place as a pace-setter in Pakistan cricket’s long run endeavours.